A man in a wheelchair was hit by a train at a South Surrey railway crossing Sunday night.

The incident happened just before 10 p.m. on Sunday evening (March 23) on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway crossing at Beecher and Bayview streets in Crescent Beach.

Surrey Police Service confirmed in an email that "it appears that a man in a wheelchair was struck by a slow-moving train shortly before 10 p.m." in that location.

"He reportedly sustained what was believed to be minor injuries, but was taken to hospital for further evaluation. Early indications are that it appears the man did not know the train was coming when he was struck despite the barricades being down and the warning sirens/whistles going," SPS Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton noted in an email. 

Area resident Don Pitcairn guessed the 10 m.p.h. speed limit in the area, due to the 115-year-old swing bridge near the marina, "likely saved his life," and added the crossing can be difficult to navigate even for people who aren't using wheelchairs.

"If you get stuck and you can't walk, you're in trouble," he said Tuesday. 

SPS said BNSF Police attended the collision scene, and that the investigation has been turned over to them, as it is not a criminal matter.

A BNSF email attributed to Kendall Sloan, BNSF media, said a train struck an individual at approximately 9:52 p.m. on Sunday, "at a crossing on our New Westminster Subdivision."

"There were no injuries to the crew. The individual was taken to a local hospital with unknown injuries. The crossing is equipped with crossbucks, gates, lights and bells," the statement said.

"Promoting rail safety is an essential part of our operation and culture. Trains cannot stop quickly," the statement continued.

"When vehicle drivers or pedestrians violate traffic laws at grade crossings, or trespass onto railroad right-of-way, they are putting themselves and the train crews in danger. We work with and support Operation Lifesaver in our states and nationally."